Starling

The starling population numbers more than 2 million, many of them urban, and large groups are often seen. Often feeding in large numbers, throwing food around and generally behaving like noisy, exuberant children, the starling is can create quite a spectacle. Although the starling looks black from a distance, look a bit closer - it has an iridescent green and purple sheen to its plumage.

Where they live

Starlings like open woods and cultivated land, but have a particular penchant for urban areas. Most common in southern England, the starling is found in large numbers in cities and is extremely widespread, being found everywhere except the Scottish Highlands. This gregarious bird nests in holes in trees and walls as well as under roof tiles, and feeds on the ground, probing with its beak to find worms.

How to spot them

Winter is the easiest time of year to spot a starling ,as the UK population is boosted by migrants from northern Europe. Keep an eye out for them in city centres, where food is most abundant. They are beginning to abandon the garden in favour of this plentiful food source. Starlings make a rising twittering noise, a bit like a helicopter's blades starting up, and a whistling noise which can sound like a child's toy.